Bielsa has hit the ground running since taking over as Leeds newest manager.
Noel Whelan has told the Yorkshire Evening Post that he believes one key area differs between current manager Marcelo Bielsa and former boss Thomas Christiansen – and it is proving dividends.
Bielsa, 63, made the surprise decision to join Championship side Leeds despite having a reputation that has seen him manage the likes of Argentina, Lazio, Marseille, Chile and Athletic Bilbao.
The Whites sit at the top of the Championship table after six games, winning four against Rotherham United, Norwich City, Derby County and Stoke City, while drawing against Swansea City and Middlesbrough.
Former Leeds striker and fan favourite Whelan believes Bielsa demands respect from his Leeds squad and that is helping them reap the rewards, while Christiansen failed because he did not do what Bielsa has already managed.
“I can’t see Bielsa making too much of the record there but he’ll know about it. He’s too clever not to give it some thought. The difference with him is that I think he demands a level of respect which wasn’t there with Christiansen,” Whelan said.
“There’s a fear factor which the players at Leeds will be feeling but also the opposition too. It’s impossible not to think about what he might throw at you.”
Christiansen joined Leeds from Champions League side APOEL Nicosia in the summer of 2017 and similarly got off to an excellent start. But the Whites’ form faded, ironically, after a 1-0 loss to Millwall – Christiansen’s first defeat.
Leeds face Millwall on Saturday at The Den, and Bielsa will be hoping to earn a win over Neil Harris’ side to boost their lead at the top of England’s second division.
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